EDITORIAL: Let's revive the spirit of volunteerism

One of the greatest nation-building assets Namibia has quietly lost over the years is the spirit of volunteerism.

There was a time when communities willingly gave their labour to projects they regarded as their own. During the construction of the northern railway extension under the late President Sam Nujoma, thousands of ordinary Namibians – including learners, students and employees from various companies – volunteered their time and energy to help build the railway. 

They understood that they were not merely laying tracks; they were helping to build a nation.

Somewhere along the way, that culture faded. Today, too often, every community initiative is expected to come with a budget, a tender or a payroll. While employment remains an urgent national priority, not every task requires a salaried workforce.

There is a difference between creating jobs and creating dependency.

If roadside litter can be cleared through organised volunteer efforts without the state spending a cent, then our national coffers are better protected and scarce public funds can be directed to areas where paid labour is genuinely needed. 

Volunteerism should never be seen as a substitute for employment. Jobs must be created where there is a genuine and sustainable need for labour. But neither should every civic responsibility be converted into an employment opportunity.

Across the continent, Rwanda offers an instructive example. Through Umuganda, observed on the last Saturday of every month, citizens dedicate three hours to community service, cleaning neighbourhoods, planting trees, maintaining public infrastructure and assisting vulnerable households. The programme has not only improved public spaces but has also strengthened community cohesion and national pride.

Namibia need not replicate Rwanda's model of mandatory participation. But there is nothing stopping us from cultivating a culture in which giving back becomes a badge of honour rather than an inconvenience.